AUSTRALIA

People Music Performance

Australian pipe bands part of international commemoration of Armistice centenary in 2018

Updated: Dec 21, 2019

Australian pipe bands will assist in commemorating 100 years since the signing of the Armistice to end fighting in World War One in communities across the nation next Remembrance Day.

They will be part of the international Battle’s O’er commemoration co-ordinated by the College of Piping in Glasgow, playing the evocative bagpipe tune of the same name written Pipe Major William Robb of the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders

Pipe Bands Australia is co-ordinating the participation of pipers and drummers with the Australian commemoration timed to take place at 5pm on Sunday 11 November, 2018, synchronizing with pipers in Britain playing at 6am – the exact time the Armistice was signed.

PBA president Chris Earl said: “The Battle’s O’er is a poignant tune in the repertoire of every pipe band, signaling the end of the day and recalling the service of British and Commonwealth servicemen and women during World War One.”

“Many bandsmen from Australia served in World War One and we encourage our bands to take up their position as groups or soloists for a closing activity in Australia’s Centenary of ANZAC commemoration and as a fitting tribute to those who served.

“We envisage pipers and drummers in shopping centres, on street corners, at RSLs and other places where communities gather … potentially thousands of Pipe Bands Australia members participating in the Battle’s O’er commemoration.”

The Armistice of Compiègne was signed between the Allies and Germany at 6am on 11 November 1918. It marked the end of the fighting on the Western Front and ultimately the end of the Great War, that terrible, grueling four-year conflict that saw millions killed and wounded, including around 2000 pipers.

Bands and individuals participating in the Battle’s O’er commemoration will receive a special certificate. They are requested to register their name and location with their PBA branch secretary.